How to Make Molds for Polymer Clay Baking

Clay moulds are lifesavers for anyone looking to mass-produce identical pieces. When it comes to polymer clay sculpting, one of the most easy and effective materials for mold=making is the same as the material used for making the items themselves. Make moulds of your best items without any need to purchase additional mould-making materials or learn new techniques.

Skill level:

Moderate

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Things you need

Moulded clay item

Dish of water

White polymer clay

Baking tray

Conventional oven

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Instructions

1

Soften the clay by kneading it in your hands. Make it just soft enough to work with, but not so soft that it's sticky or loses its firmness (if it gets too soft, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to cool). Roll the clay into a ball; you should have enough clay that if the ball were hollow, it could hold the object of which you want to make a mould inside it.

2

Form the clay to make the foundation for the mould. Set the ball on your work surface, then press the top with the flattened palm of your hand, compressing it a little. Flip it over and examine the flattened underside; if the flat side is not large enough to encompass the object you're moulding, flip it over and compress it further until it's just large enough.

3

Coat the object you want moulded with water; this will keep it from sticking to the oil-based polymer clay.

4

Make the impression for the mould. Lay the object on the surface of the clay, then slowly and gently press it into the clay. Apply even pressure across the entire surface of the object so that it sinks into the clay at the same depth all the way across. Submerge the object to the depth you want moulded, then carefully pull it back out. If it sticks, gently wiggle the object to loosen it.

5

Bake the mould in a conventional oven according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Tips and warnings

For two-sided moulds, follow the instructions above, then make the second half of the mould by placing the object inside the hardened bottom mould and forming the second half with soft clay on top. This will ensure that the second half of the mould conforms to the shape of the first.